US8912677B2 - Method and apparatus for converting ocean wave energy into electricity - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for converting ocean wave energy into electricity Download PDF

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Publication number
US8912677B2
US8912677B2 US13/135,366 US201113135366A US8912677B2 US 8912677 B2 US8912677 B2 US 8912677B2 US 201113135366 A US201113135366 A US 201113135366A US 8912677 B2 US8912677 B2 US 8912677B2
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wave
pods
hydraulic
pod
backbone
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US20110304144A1 (en
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James G. P. Dehlsen
James B. Dehlsen
Matthew Brown
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Dehlsen Associates LLC
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Dehlsen Associates LLC
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/16—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem"
    • F03B13/20—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" wherein both members, i.e. wom and rem are movable relative to the sea bed or shore
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B9/00—Water-power plants; Layout, construction or equipment, methods of, or apparatus for, making same
    • E02B9/08—Tide or wave power plants
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/91—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure
    • F05B2240/917—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure attached to cables
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/93—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a structure floating on a liquid surface
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/95—Mounting on supporting structures or systems offshore
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/97—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a submerged structure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2260/00—Function
    • F05B2260/02—Transport, e.g. specific adaptations or devices for conveyance
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2260/00—Function
    • F05B2260/30—Retaining components in desired mutual position
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2260/00—Function
    • F05B2260/40—Transmission of power
    • F05B2260/406—Transmission of power through hydraulic systems
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
    • Y02E10/38—

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device, which captures energy resident in the motion of ocean waves to rotate a generator and thereby generate electrical power.
  • the present invention relates to a device, which captures energy resident in the motion of ocean waves to rotate a generator and thereby generate electrical power.
  • a wave energy converter captures energy from ocean surface waves, usually for electricity generation. Of the solar energy forms, the energy of the waves provides the highest energy density. However, prior attempts at wave power generation have not been widely accepted for various reasons.
  • Wave power is available in low-speed, high forces, and the motion of forces is not in a single direction.
  • Most commercial electric generators operate at higher speeds, and require a steady flow of source energy.
  • any apparatus deployed on the ocean must be able to survive severe storms, raising the cost of manufacture and maintenance.
  • Wave power is competitive when the total cost of power generation is low.
  • the total cost includes the capital costs, maintenance costs and electric power delivery costs, and this in relation to the electric power generated, determines the “life-cycle” cost of energy. It is therefore desirable to provide a method and apparatus of obtaining optimum energy extraction from ocean waves at the least cost for the generating system.
  • the system must have minimal impact on the marine environment, such as fishing grounds and beach shoreline and must not interfere with ocean navigation.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,704 to Rubi titled “Wave action electricity generation system and method” discloses a wave action electricity generation system that includes a floating platform that supports the system components on the water. Wave motion energy is converted into mechanical energy and an electricity generator converts the mechanical power transfer strokes into electrical energy.
  • the converter includes a cylinder containing a lubricant, in opposed cylinder chamber portions, a first heavily weighted piston that is slidably and freely disposed within the body of the cylinder.
  • the heavily weighted piston is slidably responsive to the wave motion energy of the body of water and is used to compress the fluid to produce respective compression power strokes in each of the cylinder chamber portions.
  • the energy in the compression stroke is received by a second and third pistons located in the cylinder chamber portions that further produce power transfer strokes through the ends of the cylinder.
  • the power transfer strokes associated with the first and second pistons are further converted by a geared transmission to rotary motion that turns a flywheel coupled to an electricity generator.
  • the electrical energy produced is then distributed to a remote power station via a power transmission line.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,336 to Tateishi “Power generating installation” discloses a power generating installation located in a shallow water area of the sea for generating power utilizing a shallow water wave.
  • the system comprises a mooring located either in the sea or at the sea bottom, a chain having one end connected with the mooring and the other end to which a dead-weight is attached.
  • a float is provided with a generator and a rotary member for rotating engaged with the chain. Rotary force of the rotary member produced when the float moves up and down according to an up-and-down motion of the wave is transmitted to the generator, thereby to generating power.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 7,453,165 to Hench “Method and apparatus for converting ocean wave energy into electricity” discloses a method for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity.
  • the apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, and a generator. As the buoy tilts from the vertical under the influence of wave motion, the pendulum is accelerated and rotates about the central shaft. A centrally placed generator is mechanically is driven by the rotating pendulum so that the pendulum's kinetic energy is converted into electricity.
  • What is needed is a power-generating device for capturing power from ocean wave motion that provides a stable platform and allows the mechanically linked floats (or buoys) to have maximum exposure to wave action and thereby energy capture.
  • the wave energy converter prefferably has an active yaw system to enable optimum/maximum exposure to oncoming waves to maximize energy capture.
  • the invention relates to an apparatus for generating power utilizing ocean waves.
  • a plurality of force-transmitting floating pods engage a rotary shaft.
  • the rotary shaft drives a generator.
  • the rotary shaft produces a rotary force when the pods move up and down according to an up-and-down motion of an ocean wave.
  • the rotary force is transmitted to the generator to thereby cause the generator to generate power.
  • a hydraulic system provides for energy capture in both upward and downward pod motion.
  • floating pods are used which are moving in an up-and-down motion as the waves pass.
  • the pods are coupled or connected to a lever assembly, for example an arm made of a rigid material.
  • the pods are arranged along an elongated base, which may be an open lattice structure allowing waves to pass through it to activate the pods on the opposite side.
  • the length of the base and the number and size of the pods depend on the expected frequency, wavelength, and amplitude of the waves in the target area.
  • the base may be long enough to straddle a multiple of waves, e.g. 2 to 3 long waves thereby minimizing “pitching” of the base, allowing maximum energy capture by the pods.
  • the base e.g.
  • a number of the power generating components are placed.
  • the torque transmitting shafts extend along the elongated base.
  • the base comprises or houses hydraulic cylinders, which are actuated by the force exerted by the moving pods and transmitted by the arms/levers. The base therefore provides a point of application of the leverage force since it does not follow the up-and-down motion of the waves in the same way as the pods.
  • the base extends over at least a considerable part of the wavelength of the waves (or even over more than one wavelength) the forces acting on the base are always different from those acting on a single pod (which is extends only over a small fraction of the wavelength). Therefore the pods are moving up and down relative to the base. Since the arms/levers of the pods are coupled to the base so that they are pivotable, they can exert a leverage force on the force transmitting elements.
  • the structure will actively yaw to be at an angle ( ⁇ 45°) to the oncoming waves in order to optimize exposure to the wavefront and period between waves for minimum pitching and maximum energy capture. As wave direction changes, the system will yaw accordingly.
  • the base may comprise passive floating elements itself in order to provide for buoyancy. However, the base may also be supported solely by means of the pods coupled to the base.
  • the pods may be made of any appropriate material, which can stand seawater and mechanical stress.
  • the shape of the pods is optimized for wave lift and travel.
  • the pods may be rotated relative to their attached arms (or levers) to facilitate towing from port to the deployment site, or to minimize wave loading under extreme sea states.
  • the pods may have a chamber that can be flooded to allow the entire wave converter system to submerge below potentially damaging wave orbitals.
  • the pods may be arranged on two opposite sides of the base thereby keeping the base in balance and providing for a counterforce against the pods on the other side of the base.
  • the open lattice base to which the pods are attached allows waves to pass through the base structure to freely activate pods on the opposite side.
  • the design and operational approach according to the invention avoids structural concepts requiring extensive use of structural materials to resist bending, hogging, and torsion loads to sustain extreme wave loads from the 50-year return wave.
  • the invention does this by providing a compliantly moored backbone structure, with the pods riding on the waves. While some of the loads get transferred to the backbone, the power conversion system controls these loads by providing the pods less and less resistance as the wave height increases (resulting in a constant power output).
  • Another method to withstand extreme wave loads is to partially flood the pods and allow the wave converter system to submerge to a depth out of the range of the extreme surface wave forces. As the extreme sea state normalizes, the flooded pods are charged with air pressure to evacuate the seawater, and the system resurfaces.
  • a hydraulic system controls the movement of the pods by using the energy of a wave to activate the hydraulic system and a hydraulic turbine such as an impulse turbine or hydraulic motor connected to an electric generator.
  • the hydraulic system includes an impulse turbine and a impulse turbine nozzle in circuit with a pod hydraulic system, which automatically adjusts the force required to move the pods by the waves with changing wave heights.
  • the pods and shaft are assembled in lengths that result in a stable center structure enabling maximum usable pod displacement and hence energy capture from ocean waves.
  • the pods impart pumping force in both the upward and downward wave motion using a double-acting piston pump to pressurize hydraulics allow for energy capture.
  • the invention has the advantage that the modular units allow for cost-effective manufacturing and deployment and tailoring of total power per device, given the needs and resources at the site.
  • the invention has the advantage that the units assembled to lengths that result in a stable center structure enabling maximum usable pod displacement and hence energy captured from the waves.
  • the invention has the advantage that the system uses soft-stop hydraulics for piston throw.
  • the invention has the advantage that the pod hydrodynamic and hydrostatic shape is optimized for low cost of energy (maximizing lifting and dropping forces while minimizing undesired loads, lift force from wave orbitals) and may be rotated at the attachment to the arm to minimize drag during towing to the deployment site, to minimize exposure to waves during extreme wave events.
  • the invention has the advantage that the tubular base structures double as a hydraulic accumulator to level output.
  • the tubular structure may also serve as ballast, and or pressurized air tanks to clear flooded pods of seawater to resurface the submerged system once extreme wave conditions subside.
  • the invention has the advantage that the pod variable lift and drop forces maximize energy capture.
  • the invention has the advantage that system enables multi-directional and frequency energy capture.
  • the invention has the advantage that the yaw system provides for an individual unit and collective units in an array to manage changes in direction of wind and/or wave travel to maximize energy capture.
  • the invention has the advantage that mooring systems employed share mooring points, reducing costs
  • FIG. 1 is a zero force example of the prior art
  • FIG. 2 is a stationary volume example of the prior art
  • FIG. 3 is an example of a theory behind the embodiments of the wave energy converter of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is chart of wave spectrum versus power
  • FIG. 5 is an illustration of pod motion from the side view a wave energy converter of the first embodiment of the present invention on the surface of the ocean in response to ocean waves;
  • FIG. 6 is a top view of one example of a first embodiment of the wave energy converter of FIG. 5 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a top view of a first embodiment of a wave energy converter of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of the first embodiment of the wave energy converter of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is an end view of the drive tube, ratchet and float pod of the wave energy converter of FIG. 7 ;
  • FIG. 10 is a top view of the drive tube, ratchet and float pod of the wave energy converter of FIG. 7 ;
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram of double acting piston pumps employed in the second embodiment of the wave energy converter of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram of double acting piston pumps in combination with a hydraulic motor
  • FIG. 12 a is a more detailed diagram of a hydraulic system as used with the invention.
  • FIG. 12 b is a more detailed diagram of an alternative hydraulic system as used with the invention.
  • FIG. 13 is an illustration of pod motion from the side view of the second embodiment of the present invention on the surface of the ocean in response to ocean waves;
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wave energy converter of the present invention employing a truss system for structure;
  • FIG. 15 is a side view of the wave energy converter of FIG. 14 ;
  • FIG. 16 is a an end view of the wave energy converter of FIG. 14 ;
  • FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a wave energy converter employing cable stays and spreaders for structure
  • FIG. 20 is an end view of the wave energy converter of FIG. 18 ;
  • FIG. 21 is a side view of the wave energy converter of FIG. 18 ;
  • FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a wave energy converter utilizing a detachable power pod
  • FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a wave energy converter utilizing a detachable power pontoon
  • FIG. 24 shows a possible method to decouple the motion of the power pontoon from the main structure of the wave energy converter
  • FIG. 25 is an end view of a wave energy converter with the power pontoon placed below the surface
  • FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a wave energy converter pod housing various electric and/or hydraulic components
  • FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a tethered wave energy converter of FIG. 14 ;
  • FIG. 28 is a side view of a tethered wave energy converter of FIG. 14 ;
  • FIG. 29 is an isometric view of a mooring arrangement of a plurality of wave energy converters
  • FIG. 30 is an isometric view of the mooring arrangement of FIG. 29 with a direction of wave travel;
  • FIG. 31 is an isometric view of a single wave energy converter mooring and winch system
  • FIG. 32 is an isometric view of the mooring and winch system of FIG. 31 with a plurality of wave energy converters and shared moorings;
  • FIG. 33 is an isometric view of the mooring arrangement of FIG. 32 with a change in direction of wave travel and/or wind direction;
  • FIG. 33 b is a schematic drawing of a mooring and winch system shown rotating counter clockwise with ability to rotate 60 degrees;
  • FIG. 33 c is a schematic drawing of a mooring and winch system shown rotating counter clockwise with ability to rotate 120 degrees;
  • FIG. 33 d is a schematic drawing of a mooring and winch system shown yawing (rotating) counter clockwise with redundant winches and the ability to yaw 120 degrees;
  • FIG. 34 is an isometric view of a wave energy converter according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 35 is a diagram depicting optimum energy extraction from a wave by a buoy, such as one of the pods shown in FIG. 34 ;
  • FIG. 36 is a diagram of the hydraulic system that controls the pods shown in FIG. 34 ;
  • FIG. 37 is a diagram depicting the operation of the double acting hydraulic pump that extracts energy from the motion of the pods
  • FIGS. 38 a - 38 b are diagrams depicting how an impulse turbine nozzle automatically adjusts the locking force of the pod with changing wave heights.
  • FIG. 39 is a drawing of the multiple pod wave energy converter shown in FIG. 34 .
  • FIG. 40 is a perspective drawing of a fourth embodiment of the invention showing the location of the powerhouse in the center of the structure;
  • FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 40 showing a front view of the powerhouse;
  • FIG. 42 is side view of the apparatus of FIG. 40 showing the location of the main 2 MW powerhouse and the location of two 1 MW powerhouses;
  • FIG. 43 is a top view of the apparatus wherein modular 1 MW sections have been added to increase power rating and energy capture and the landing platform for service vessels;
  • FIG. 44 is a side view of the main 2 MW section with a center powerhouse and electrical and power electronic systems.
  • FIG. 45 is a top view of one modular, 1 MW section.
  • FIG. 46 is a front elevation drawing of a fifth embodiment of the invention showing the device subsystems depicted in the operating mode at sea;
  • FIG. 48 is front elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 46 showing the pods rotated, and the device submerged below the ocean surface;
  • FIG. 49 is a side view of the submerged device of FIG. 48 ;
  • FIG. 50 is a front elevation view, which shows the pods rotated for the deployment leaving port and bringing the device to the wave farm site;
  • FIG. 51 is a combined top and side view of a sixth embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 52 is an isometric drawing of a sixth embodiment
  • FIG. 53 is a front elevation drawing of the sixth embodiment of the invention showing the rectangular backbone (base structure);
  • FIG. 54 a is a schematic side view of a multi-section backbone and relief joint according to the sixth embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 54 b shows a detailed view of the joint between the sections of the backbone.
  • FIG. 1 is a zero force example of the prior art.
  • a single buoy that is not fixed, such that there is no force applied to the buoy, so no energy is absorbed from the wave.
  • the wave amplitude remains the same.
  • FIG. 3 is an example of a wave energy converter (WEC) of the present invention.
  • a volume such as a buoy
  • the force displaces over some distance so energy is absorbed from the wave and the wave amplitude is decreased.
  • the amplitude is decreased because the buoy oscillates in a sinusoidal pattern that is out of phase with the wave.
  • the buoy submerges in the trough, filling it, and surfaces in the peak, reducing its height.
  • FIG. 4 is chart of wave spectrum versus power and illustrates that the energy of a wave is limited.
  • a 3.5 m wave with a period of 9.5 seconds only has the potential power of 55 kW per meter of transverse wave face. At 50% efficiency, it would take 90 meters across the wave to generate 2.5 MW of power. For this reason, the wavefront exposure of the wave energy converter needs to be of a design, which takes the forgoing into consideration.
  • FIG. 6 is a top view of the wave energy converter of FIG. 5 .
  • a 2.5 MW device there is a total of 50 pods, 25 for each side, V-shaped. It is assumed that the ocean wave is 3.5 m in height, with a 9.5 s period and 140 m wave length. This results in 2.8 RPM with 4250 kN-m torque on the device shafts.
  • the aft width of the V-shaped device is 190 m.
  • FIG. 7 which is a top view
  • FIG. 8 which is a side view of a first embodiment of a wave energy converter of the present invention.
  • the wave energy converter is an electric power-generating device, which is driven by ocean wave action.
  • the device is moored from the bow 1 facing the incoming wave usually windward and delivers power to the shore grid via submarine cable from the generating power train 2 .
  • this setup there is a mechanical coupling between the pods and the shafts 3 .
  • the pods are coupled to the shafts via a device that allows a transmission of a rotary motion from the lever assemblies/arms to the shaft in only one direction, while preventing transmission of a rotary motion in the opposite direction.
  • the rocker arms have a ratcheting mechanism 8 , which engages with the drive tube as the float pods rise with a wave, thereby applying a turning moment to the drive tube.
  • the drive tube is fitted with the ratchet receiver 9 , which engages with the rocker arm ratchet mechanism. As the wave recedes, the ratchet disengages and the float pod falls to the trough of the wave to again re-engage as the next wave approaches.
  • multiple float pods along the length of the drive tube enable passing waves to serially lift the group 10 of float pods thereby applying a continuous turning motion to the drive tube 3 .
  • Wave intervals may vary and still produce a constant force. More power is generated with higher frequency shorter interval waves and less power with longer frequency waves.
  • the drive tubes are in close proximity to each other and at the point of entering the aft hull, have increased separation 12 . This provides each down stream float pod along the drive tubes to gain added exposure to waves, which would otherwise have diminished wave energy levels if float pods were aligned directly down stream.
  • the drive tubes with float pods float to approximately the drive tube centerline 13 while the pods float with only the top surface exposed above the water line.
  • the motion of the pods is in a radial arc 14 of about 90 degrees from the centerline axis of the drive tubes with a rise and fall above and below the drive tube centerline of 45 degrees each.
  • This range of motion allows for energy capture from waves up to maximum operating wave height for normal operation.
  • the length 15 of the rocker arms/lever assemblies determines this range of motion of the pods, thus, the system can be “tuned” to wave conditions in the deployment area by optimizing the length of the rocker arms.
  • the pods have a hydrodynamic shape (see FIG. 10 ) designed to provide “lift” as the wave moves past with minimum disturbance of the waveform and to minimize the loss of energy in the wave.
  • the pods are not coupled mechanically to any rotating shaft. Instead, a double-acting piston is actuated by the up-and-down moving pod.
  • the lever assembly is hinged to the base structure and the piston is coupled to the lever arm between the pod and the hinge.
  • the piston pumps high-pressure hydraulic fluid from a reservoir to an accumulator.
  • the accumulator is a pressure storage reservoir in which the hydraulic fluid is held under pressure by an external source (e.g. a spring or a compressed gas).
  • the accumulator feeds a hydraulic motor and smoothes out the oscillations in wave energy.
  • the hydraulic motor drives a generator.
  • FIG. 12 a shows a more detailed view of the hydraulic system.
  • the hydraulic system is an actively controlled, oil-based or seawater system consisting of a series of oscillating pumps (hydraulic rams connected to each pod) supplying variable-displacement hydraulic motors, direct-driving generators at a constant speed.
  • SV-2 As the approaching wave exerts its buoyant force on the pod (pump piston moves to left) SV-2 remains closed until a prescribed pressure (generator load pressure) is reached. At this point SV-2 opens and the pressurized oil is supplied to the hydraulic motor.
  • SV-1 holds the pod suspended until the pressure reaches the load pressure at which point SV-1 opens and the pressurized fluid is ported to the hydraulic motor. Multiple, out-of-phase pods will help ensure constant flow.
  • the pods will be ganged together in groups of four to eight supplying a single generator.
  • the displacement of the hydraulic motor will be varied based on the average wave height and period (available flow), allowing the generators to run at constant speed and pressure but variable input torque (output current)—i.e. as the wave height decreases the generator current output will decrease proportionately.
  • FIG. 12 b shows a typical four-pod HMG set.
  • FIG. 13 is an illustration of pod motion in response to ocean waves.
  • These pods are half the density of seawater.
  • the pod on the far left starts on the surface of a trough. It submerges and adds volume to the trough.
  • its buoyancy force overcomes the hydraulic pressure in the piston and it rises to the crest of the wave. There it surfaces from the crest, removing volume, until its weight overcomes the ram force and it drops to the trough.
  • this design has a constant force over its displacement and acts in both the rise and fall of the pod due to the hydraulic coupling. It also has canceling moments applied to the device so there is no net rolling moment.
  • the wave energy converter (WEC) according to this embodiment extracts power from waves on both the up and downswing of the waves.
  • the up and down motion of the waves cause multiple pods to move up and down.
  • the up and motion of the pods actuate hydraulic pistons that pump hydraulic fluid.
  • the pods experience different amplitudes of the wave at the same time.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the wave energy converter of the present invention.
  • a plurality of pods 30 is mounted to lever assemblies/arms 31 .
  • the arms are hinged to a support member 34 of a base structure 33 , 34 .
  • the base structure is constructed as a rigid truss system and further comprises two bars 33 arranged in parallel to the support member 34 so that the bars and the support form a triangular shape with the bars in the corners of the triangle.
  • FIG. 15 is a side view of the wave energy converter of FIG. 14 .
  • the main body length is such that the assembled length of modules will ensure optimal deflection of the pods for energy capture.
  • FIG. 16 is an end view of the wave energy converter of FIG. 14 .
  • the rigid truss system is connected to the pod arms and the double-acting piston.
  • the truss rails are used as accumulators for the hydraulic system.
  • FIG. 17 is a top view of the wave energy converter of FIG. 14 .
  • FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a wave energy converter with a cable-stayed base structure.
  • the cables are arranged to provide stiffness in torsion, tension and bending.
  • FIG. 19 is a top view of a section of the cable-stayed structure.
  • a center tube provides structure and acts as the accumulator for the hydraulic system.
  • FIG. 20 is an end view of the cable-stayed structure. Three spreaders allow for cables to be used throughout the length of the structure. The double-acting piston pump and pod are shown.
  • FIG. 21 is a side view of the wave energy converter of FIG. 18 .
  • FIG. 22 shows a wave energy converter according to the invention with a power pontoon to house the hydraulics and electrical generating equipment.
  • the pontoon would be removable for service at sea.
  • FIG. 23 is an additional perspective view of the wave energy converter with a power pontoon.
  • FIG. 24 is an end view of the wave energy converter with a power pontoon decoupled from the wave energy converter main structure.
  • FIG. 25 is an end view of the wave energy converter with a power chamber below the cable-stayed structure and below the surface.
  • FIG. 26 is an isometric view showing assorted wave energy converter hydraulic and electric systems being moved into the wave pod, thus eliminating the power pontoon from the wave energy converter.
  • FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a four-point tethering arrangement for a wave energy converter.
  • the output submarine power cable would run down one of the tethers.
  • FIG. 28 is a side view of the system in FIG. 27 .
  • FIG. 29 is an isometric view of a plurality of wave energy converters having a collective yaw control feature.
  • the yaw mechanism is used to turn the wave energy converter for optimum exposure to the waves as the wave direction changes.
  • multiple converters are coupled via cables. Further the converters are moored to mooring points.
  • the devices can be oriented in the right direction to the waves and a yaw control is provided.
  • Mooring points can be shared between multiple energy converters to reduce costs.
  • FIG. 30 is a depiction of the yaw control feature of FIG. 29 when the wave direction changes.
  • FIG. 31 is an isometric view of a single wave energy converter mooring system with cable winch control providing independent device yaw control to optimize the WEC orientation to the direction of the waves.
  • FIG. 32 is a top view of the mooring system of FIG. 31 with a plurality of wave energy converters. Mooring points can be shared reducing costs.
  • FIG. 33 is a depiction of the yaw control feature of FIG. 31 when the wind and/or wave direction changes.
  • This control feature adds increased redundancy to multiple wave energy converters as each is controlled independently.
  • FIGS. 33 a to 33 d which are a depiction of the yaw control feature of FIG. 31 when the wind and/or wave direction changes.
  • FIGS. 33 b to 33 d show alternative mooring control systems.
  • references 20 refers to the energy converter representation (base structure with pods).
  • Reference 21 refers to a cable junction and turning block.
  • the references 22 , 23 , 24 , and 25 indicate the mooring cables guided to the respective corners of the opposite ends of the structure's backbone.
  • Reference 26 indicates the position of a turning block.
  • the system further comprises a traction winch 27 as well as a redundant traction winch 28 ( FIG. 33 d ).
  • the up and motion of the pods actuate hydraulic pistons that pump hydraulic fluid to a nozzle that drives an impulse turbine.
  • a Pelton wheel is of a type of impulse turbine.
  • the water under pressure which is introduced by the nozzle into the casing of the impulse turbine, is accelerated when it is forced to flow through the nozzle.
  • the high-velocity jet from the nozzle impinges on buckets around the turbine wheel to cause the wheel to rotate about a shaft.
  • the shaft is connected to an electric generator.
  • the impulse turbine can be replaced with any hydraulic turbine such as any rotary engine that takes energy from moving fluid, including hydraulic motor, impulse turbine, or Pelton wheel.
  • the buoy should be held at a fixed height (A) until the waterline rises to a depth of 1 ⁇ 4 of the wave height above neutral 37 c (B).
  • the buoy should then be allowed to rise to the crest 35 of the wave at a constant buoyancy force generated by the increasing water height (C).
  • the resulting buoy stroke is equal to 1 ⁇ 2 of the wave height.
  • the buoy should then be allowed to fall to the trough 36 of the wave at a constant force generated by the decreased water height (E).
  • the resulting buoy stroke is equal to 1 ⁇ 2 of the wave height.
  • the hydraulic system can be an open or closed circuit, which can include a reservoir 40 , one-way check valves 42 , a cushion stop/double acting hydraulic ram pump 41 driven by a pod 48 , whose up and down motion about a pivot drives a piston rod.
  • the one-way check valves 42 within the hydraulic manifold 43 open and close to control the flow of fluid in the system.
  • An optional hydraulic accumulator 44 can be provided to level the power output.
  • the hydraulic manifold 43 forces fluid through the high-pressure line 46 to the nozzles to turn the hydraulic motor or impulse turbine 45 .
  • a low-pressure line 47 return path returns the fluid to the reservoir 40 or in an open sea water system the fluid is returned to the ocean.
  • a hydraulic motor is a mechanical actuator that converts hydraulic pressure and flow into torque and angular displacement.
  • the term hydraulic turbine as used herein is any rotary engine that takes energy from moving fluid, including hydraulic motor, impulse turbine, or Pelton wheel.
  • the pods At rated power, for example from a 3 m wave, the pods would be submerging and surfacing 0.75 m before they start moving and they would have a throw of 1.5 m.
  • the hydraulic pressure would be 3000 psi (maximum) and a flow rate of 1 unit.
  • the pods would want to submerge and surface 0.25 m, which would require a hydraulic pressure of 1 ⁇ 3 of rated or 1000 psi.
  • the throw would also drop to 1 ⁇ 3 of rated or 0.5 m, which would reduce the flow rate to 1 ⁇ 3 units.
  • the fluid is squirted through nozzles that turn a paddle wheel.
  • the pressure also goes down nearly linearly. So if the pressure powering the wheel drops to 1 ⁇ 3 of original, the back pressure would automatically drop to 1 ⁇ 3. This is the same relationship between pressure and flow rate that the pods need to maintain optimum performance. In this way, the pods are self tuning, maintaining optimal performance automatically.
  • the impulse turbine at constant RPM, also stays in its efficiency range for a wide range of wave heights. For larger waves the power is maintained at rated by limiting the hydraulic ram throw and pod size.
  • FIG. 37 which illustrates how the hydraulic system accomplishes a locking of motion until a set force is reached as well as causing a constant resistance to pod motion.
  • FIGS. 38 a - 38 b which illustrate how an impulse turbine nozzle automatically adjusts the locking force of the pod with changing wave heights.
  • small waves produce a small stroke, small flow rate, low hydraulic pressure, low ram force, and less immersion of the pod.
  • the nozzle size, hydraulic system and pod number and geometry By setting the nozzle size, hydraulic system and pod number and geometry, the self-tuning of the pod force with wave height helps to maintain optimal performance.
  • FIG. 39 is a detailed drawing of the wave energy converter shown in FIG. 34 .
  • the hydraulic ram 41 and hydraulic manifold 43 shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 are replicated along the spine of the wave energy converter.
  • a high-pressure line 46 connects the manifolds 43 to a common pressure accumulator 44 and hydraulic motor or impulse turbine 45 .
  • the hydraulic motor or impulse turbine 45 drives a common generator 34 .
  • the spent fluid from the hydraulic motor or impulse turbine 45 is collected in a hydraulic reservoir 40 , which returns the fluid to the manifold 43 via a low-pressure return line 47 .
  • the power-generating apparatus includes a center section, one or more outer satellite sections connected to the center section and a powerhouse located at the center section.
  • the hydraulic turbine may be an impulse turbine or hydraulic motor.
  • the device is moored at a variable angle to an incoming ocean wave and delivers power to a shore grid via a submarine cable from a generator located in the central main powerhouse.
  • the powerhouse collects the satellite module's electrical production and provides an exit from the apparatus to the ocean floor where power is transferred to shore via a submarine cable.
  • an outer section is modular and contains a single, satellite powerhouse which gathers the outer section's pressurized hydraulic flow and generates electricity that is wired into the main center powerhouse for power conditioning and transmission via the submarine cable.
  • the center powerhouse and all satellite powerhouses submerge to avoid wave slapping loads and instances in large storm waves where a large part of the length of the structure may become unsupported by seawater.
  • FIG. 40 is an isometric view of a wave energy converter of the present invention on the surface of the ocean.
  • the device includes a plurality of force transmitting pods, double-acting hydraulic rams engaged with the arms of the force transmitting pods, and a Pelton wheel driven by high-pressure working fluid which is engaged to a generator.
  • FIG. 43 is a top view and FIG. 42 , is a side view of a wave energy converter of the present invention.
  • the wave energy converter (WEC) is an electric power-generating device, which is driven by ocean wave action.
  • the device is moored by its ends and can be yawed to maximize power extraction and delivers power to a shore grid via a submarine cable from the main powerhouse.
  • the wave energy converter is designed to optimize the capture of energy from waves using a plurality of pods in modular constructed sections containing powerhouses for electricity production.
  • the advantage of this construction is commonality in a large device for economic, operating and service reasons plus allowing for the device length to exceed long period wavelengths, which results in a stable platform for the pods to work against maximizing wave power extraction.
  • Traditional shipbuilding methods can be employed.
  • the pods capture energy on the up and downswing of the waves and impart force to two-way, double-acting hydraulic rams.
  • the rams pump a working liquid, such as hydraulic oil or seawater, and liquid pressure is used to drive a Pelton wheel or other hydraulic motor and a generator system to generate electricity.
  • the construction consists of a center section which houses hydraulic systems, power conditioning, step up transformers and switchgear.
  • This main powerhouse not only produces its own main section's electricity, it collects the entire satellite module's electrical production and provides the exit from the device to the ocean floor where power is transferred to shore via a standard submarine cable.
  • the outer sections shown in FIGS. 43 and 45 are completely modular and contain a single, satellite powerhouse which gathers each section's hydraulic pressure generated and generates electricity that is wired into the main center powerhouse for power conditioning and transmission via a submarine cable to shore.
  • the center and all satellite powerhouses are designed to submerge to pressures up to several atmospheres to survive extreme weather events.
  • the entire device is designed to submerge to avoid wave slapping loads and instances in large storm waves where a large part of the length of the structure may become unsupported by seawater.
  • the apparatus for generating power utilizing ocean waves includes a plurality of force transmitting pods, double-acting hydraulic rams engaged with the arms of the force transmitting pods, and a hydraulic turbine driven by high-pressure working fluid which is engaged with a generator.
  • the apparatus includes chambers in the pods, which can be flooded with seawater for submerging and evacuating of the seawater for surfacing.
  • the hydraulic turbine may be an impulse turbine or hydraulic motor.
  • the pods can be raised to a vertical position for submerging and surfacing and for transporting the WEC.
  • the wave energy converter (WEC) extracts power from waves on both the up and downswing of the waves.
  • WEC wave energy converter
  • the current embodiment employs a variable buoyancy apparatus and method to (1) assist in the deployment of the WEC to a wave farm, to (2) optimize energy capture in the operating mode and to (3) totally submerge the device to avoid huge wave slapping loads and avoid instances where a large part of the structure may not be supported by seawater.
  • the device ballast subsystems are depicted in FIG. 46 in the operating mode at sea. There is a defined amount of ballast provided by flooding a pod's free flood tank to a certain level. This optimizes wave energy capture on the up and downswing of the waves as previously described.
  • FIG. 47 shows the detail of the pod ballasting systems shown in FIG. 46 .
  • the defined flooded area for operational ballast is shown with a small water inlet that is always open and an air exit outlet.
  • One small area (sealed buoyancy chamber) in the pod remains sealed with air to provide for minimal buoyancy in the case of submergence when the balance of the pod is allowed to flood.
  • An air pump and air hose line evacuate the water by air displacement when the device needs to be surfaced for further operation or maintenance.
  • FIG. 48 shows a submerged WEC.
  • the pods Upon notification of major storm waves or a singular wave event, which might harm the device, the pods are flooded to add ballast and reduce overall device buoyancy. Hydraulic rams at the pod arm-pod interface are actuated to rotate the pods to the vertical orientation shown.
  • Hydraulic rams at the pod arm-pod interface are actuated to rotate the pods to the vertical orientation shown.
  • the device submerges to a prescribed depth, well below the trough of major storm waves.
  • FIG. 49 shows the submerged WEC.
  • FIG. 50 shows a deployment method for leaving port and bringing the device to a wave farm site.
  • the pods are placed in the vertical orientation fully emptied of seawater ballast and the device towed.
  • the pod arms raised with the pod position cylinders extended, the device surfaces to the water line of waves.
  • FIG. 51 is a combined top view and a side view of a wave energy converter of the present invention.
  • the wave energy converter (WEC) is an electric power-generating device, which is driven by ocean wave action.
  • the device is moored by its ends and can be yawed to maximize power extraction and delivers power to a shore grid via a submarine cable from the main powerhouse.
  • the backbone (base structure) of the converter comprises to section connected via a joint structure.
  • FIG. 52 is perspective drawing of the sixth embodiment.
  • FIG. 53 is a front elevation drawing of the sixth embodiment of the invention showing the rectangular backbone (base structure).
  • backbone base structure
  • FIG. 53 To achieve a strong and robust backbone a square framing system was developed with four large diameter legs at each corner of the square with small diameter tubular braces at each face of the unit providing the framing system along the length of the backbone as well as each panel level where the pod loadings are transmitted to the backbone through pod arms.
  • the basis for selecting a combination of large and small diameter tubes is to minimize the applied loading on the backbone.
  • Maximum vertical forces due to water particle velocities on the small diameter tubes occur out-of-phase (90 degrees in advance of the crest line) with the maximum vertical forces due to water particle accelerations (and variably buoyancy forces acting in opposition) on the large diameter tubes at the crest line.
  • the converter backbone is a very long and slender structure accommodating 28 sets of 56 pods and pod arms.
  • the four tubes of the backbone and the small diameter braces at each of the four sides of the backbone and a total of 30 cross-frames provide the rigidity to the backbone. Twenty-eight of these cross-frames provide the structural integration of the pods and pod arms with the backbone.
  • FIG. 54 a is a schematic side view of a multi section backbone according to the sixth embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 54 b shows a detailed view of the joint between the sections of the backbone.
  • the architecture provides for an effective way to reduce cost through scaleability.
  • the modular design of the sixth embodiment allows the system to be scaled to a size which is most cost-effective from a mooring and operational standpoint.
  • the embodiment accomplishes this by combining 56, 80 kW point absorber pods onto a single 214 m long semi-submerged carrier structure that is exposed to the wavefront at ⁇ 45° and can yaw in response to change in direction of the wavefront. It is planned that the core system will be 2.24 MW with 28 pods. An additional 2.24 MW module completes the 4.5 MW converter, with a compliant section at the middle. Further extensions may be possible in the future.
  • the use of proven technology and commercially available components reduces technical issues, costs, and allows for a more rapid commercialization process.
  • Most components used in the embodiment are available through industrial catalog sources significantly reducing the “teething costs” typically associated with newly designed components in early stage commercialization.
  • leveraging proven processes and experience from the offshore oil and gas industry for survivability, operability and safety allows for predictability in the design, implementation, and certification process.
  • the embodiment also benefits from some three decades of experience in heaving point absorbers gained through tank testing, subscale testing, and modelling. As such, the performance and dynamic response is well understood, and commercialization is not hindered by the need for long research projects.
  • O&M Operations & Maintenance
  • the design criteria for this embodiment is to have a >90% accessibility, which translates directly to improved generating system availability, and significantly enhances LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy). This is achieved by providing safe access to all critical components by elevated ramps, well above the ocean waves.
  • the elevated ramps also incorporate a rail for the service crane, which can travel the full converter structure length to the boarding platform for the service boat. Personnel transfer is accomplished by service boat or helicopter.
  • System modularity simplifies manufacturing and reduces O&M costs by allowing for sub-systems to be easily replaced with the on-board service crane.
  • the modularity allows for individual components to be man-manageable with the on-board crane avoiding the expense of shipboard mounted cranes.
  • the float pods, hydraulic rams, hydro-turbines, and generators can be removed using the on-board crane.
  • Ease of Deployment and reduced installation costs are based on towing the converter structure to site and the use of gravity anchors for mooring, avoiding ocean floor mounted structures as with some wave devices.
  • Redundancy is built into the converter subsystems to gain high availability and reduce the chance of a failure, which would result in a catastrophic loss. There are multiple levels of redundancy built in, and particular attention is paid to failure modes and how they affect the overall system. All critical systems, including control system, moorings, etc., have some built-in redundancy.
  • Pod efficiency is also enhanced by the length of the carrier designed to “straddle” typically two to three wave lengths, thereby minimizing pitching at the expense of absorption and power conversion by the pods.
  • Pod efficiency is also gained with optimized exposure to wavefront by the converter according to the invention yawing to about a 45° angle to the oncoming wave line exposing all pods to maximum wave action.
  • the yaw system allows a 90° change in orientation of the converter.
  • the pods operate and produce energy during all wave conditions. Wave energy extraction is maximized through optimal power take-off control during small waves and will level off at the rated capacity of the generator. As waves become larger and more energetic, excess power is shed by de-tuning the heaving pods. De-tuning is accomplished by applying less than optimal dampening to the pods by means of regulating the hydraulic power take-off in extreme seas. The following table shows the single pod performance as a function of sea-state.
  • the rated capacity of the generator is limiting the electrical power output per pod to about 80 kW.
  • the above performance table would yield an annual average of 32 kW per pod.
  • While the invention will operate during all of the year, access for O&M servicing may be limited by weather conditions. Operational access to carry out O&M procedures is highly dependent on the ability to access the structure by personnel. In order to do so, the access ramps of the converter according to the invention are sufficiently high above the wave action to allow personnel safe access during normal sea-state operating conditions, which should be the majority of time. Personnel transfer can be done to and from the structure by the service boat or helicopter with methods similar to offshore oil platforms and wind turbines.
  • the energy converter according to the invention is designed to optimize power production during low power sea-states and will start shedding power approaching extreme conditions. This power shedding is an important and integral aspect of the overall design and is attained by:
  • each Pod generates a maximum of 80 kW.
  • a linear generator is used for motion-energy conversion. Wave energy conversion is ideally suited to linear generators whereby the motion of an absorber can be directly coupled. Linear Generators eliminate the need for complex power takeoffs and have the ancillary benefits of improved efficiency and potentially reduced environmental impact. In the are there are theoretical considerations which may serve as a basis for the calculation an design of suitable generators (e.g.
  • the system architecture according to the invention does lend itself to economies of scale, while addressing survivability during extreme wave events.
  • the invention is based on novel architecture and integrates the essential criteria that make wave power conversion economically viable. This criteria includes:

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ZA201105715B (en) 2012-10-31

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